Getting very close

-Stanley Clark, Riley fall one place short of nationals at Indiana Science Olympiad.

-Stanley Clark, Riley fall one place short of nationals at Indiana Science Olympiad.

April 06, 2007|Tribune Staff Report

Stanley Clark School Science Olympiad coach Drucilla Wrasse could not have been more pleased with her team the night before the state competition at Purdue University Calumet last weekend. A short tuneup at the hotel for the next day's competition was planned, she recalled. "Every member of the team sought out his or her partner and focused on reviewing materials they had packed," she said via e-mail. "I had a hard time getting them to quit and go to bed. "The can-do attitude and tremendous work ethic of this year's team made the seven months of training fly by." She only wishes their reward was equal to their season-long effort. Stanley Clark School finished in third place, one place short of qualifying for nationals. It had one first-place medal, won in Road Scholar by the team of David Kern and Lauren Mills. In addition, Stanley Clark took five seconds, two thirds, one fourth and two fifths out of 26 events. Medals are awarded through fifth place. Riley High School's team also came up one place short of nationals, finishing in third in the high school division. Riley had no firsts, five seconds, two thirds, three fourths and three fifths for a total of 13 medals out of 26 events. Riley ended up 23 points out of second place, while Stanley Clark was 46 points out of second. "It was not a heartbreaking close call, although it definitely puts a target on Stanley Clark School and Riley as competitive teams for next year," Wrasse said. For Stanley Clark, Wrasse said it was still quite an accomplishment. "This team is second only to the national team in 2005, who received a second place at state," she said. "I am extremely proud of the entire team. "It is our first third-place trophy as in previous years fourth was the highest we placed, except for 2005." She also saluted the parents and other adults who helped the team throughout the season. "I believe South Bend was well represented at both middle school and high school levels by teams that gave it their all," added Wrasse. "A coach can't ask for more than that." Other local schools also participated, with Northridge High School placing fifth with 185 points, 55 points behind champion Bloomington North High School. Riley was 30 from winning a state title. Marian High School took 23rd while Winamac High School was 19th.